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Abstract
Aims We wanted to evaluate the educational value of a new inter-professional simulation day – ‘The Day the Simulator Died’.
Methods This day comprised introductory lectures, 2 high fidelity simulations of unsuccessful resuscitations including a simulated parent and communication skills sessions addressing breaking bad news and unexpected child death procedures. Immediate feedback was sought and a follow up questionnaire was sent 4 months later.
Results The pilot day had 9 participants – 8 answered the follow up questionnaire.
The group had varied prior experience. 50% had no previous formal training on child death procedures or breaking bad news. A significant proportion (5 of 8) had either no experience or had only been the primary deliverer of bad news on fewer than 5 occassions. Limited exposure to informal training opportunities including observation of such encounters and feedback within the work place were also reported.
The graphs highlight the positive impact of this training with an increase in self-reported confidence (Figures 1 and 2).
Pre-simulation day confidence
Post-simulation day confidence
Simulated parents were rated as being very useful and being immersed in high fidelity simulation prior to these difficult discussions was viewed as helpful; increasing the realism.
Conclusion We have highlighted an area of practice where self-reported confidence is low as a result of limited opportunities for training and feedback that stem from unexpected child death being an infrequent event. This pilot simulation day was well received and resulted in an increased confidence amongst participants. Plans are in place to further this training and to widen the multi disciplinary team involvement.